Assistant Preschool Director

Are you a passionate early childhood professional ready to take the next step in your career? We're seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Director who is eager to grow into our Director role (expected transition in one to two years). This is more than just a position – it's a leadership opportunity designed for someone who wants to make a lasting impact on young learners while advancing their career. You'll work alongside our current Director in a mentorship-focused environment, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of center management, from curriculum development and staff leadership to family partnerships and operational excellence.

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Assistant Preschool Director assists in the organization, delivery and overall quality of the Two Rivers YMCA Preschool and early childhood development activities. They will assist in leading staff to use a thematic approach or creative curriculum and assessment tools to progress each child.

• Minimum age of 21.
• Minimum of one year of related experience preferred.
• Meets and maintains all State and licensing requirements.
• YMCA Team Leader certification preferred.
• Within 3 months of hire, completion of CPR, First Aid, AED for infant, child and adult, Bloodborne Pathogens, Illinois Harassment training.
• Within 6 months complete Food Handler certificate.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

• Ensures program participants safety and wellbeing at all times, by meeting their individual education, developmental, protective and nurturing needs.
• Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with students, parents and co-workers. Maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within the area of responsibility.
• Familiar with and stay up to date on Rule 407 licensing standards and responsible for maintaining all licensing and regulation requirements in the assigned classroom.
• Assists with managing the program, including monitoring the program budget to meet fiscal objectives; compiling accurate program statistics to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of participation in programs, attracting and maintaining program enrollment and staffing levels, and training of staff.
• Promote and incorporate the Y Mission and Character Values in all programs and activities.
  Performs other duties as assigned.

• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment
• Fiscal Management: Manages the Y’s resources responsibly and sustains the Y’s nonprofit business model.
• Functional Expertise: Executes superior technical skills for the role.
• Innovation: Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y’s work.
• Program/Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.
• Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.
• Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.

Must be DCFS Director Qualified by meeting one of the following options:

• Option 1 - 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of credit from an accredited college or university with 18 semester or 27 quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development from birth to age 6.
• Option 2 - 2 years (3120 clock hours) of child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten or licensed day care center, 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of college credits with 10 semester or 15 quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development and proof of enrollment in an accredited college or university until 2 years of college credit have been achieved. A total of 18 semester or 27 quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development is required to be obtained within the total 2 years of college credits.
• Option 3 - Completion of a credentialing program approved in accordance with Appendix G of 407.130, completion of 12 semester or 18 quarter hours in courses related to child care and/or child development from birth to age 6 at an accredited college or university, and 2 years (3120 clock hours) child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten or licensed day care center.
  Appendix G - Completion of a training program accredited by the American Montessori Society or Association Montessori International may be substituted for the courses directly related to child care and/or child development. Persons holding a Montessori pre-primary credential may serve as director to children through age 6.